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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03/09/1992UTILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Port Angeles, Washington March 9, 1992 Call to Order: Vice Chairman Hunt called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. II. Roll Call: Members Present: Thomas Hunt, Gary Braun, Joe Michalczik, and Richard Wight. Members Absent: Jim Hallett Staff Present: J. Pittis, B. Titus, K. Godbey, B. Upton, B. Jones, R. Ellsworth, and G. Kenworthy. III. Approval of Minutes: Councilman Wight moved to approve the minutes of the February 10, 1992 meeting as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unanimously. IV. Discussion Items: A. Sewer Rates Public Works Director Pittis referenced the Facilities Plan Capital Program and noted the Utility Advisory Committee previously approved a financial plan which provided for annual sewer rate increases in order to pay for the operation and maintenance of the secondary treatment facility. It was also intended that the plan would defray increases in the operating fund budget, fund the debt service, create reserves for debt service and future capital projects, and create an adequate cash flow for operations and construction. Wastewater rates were increased in accordance with this plan in July, 1991. At this time, however, due to a combination of lower construction bids, an additional state loan, and a decrease in debt service requirements, Director Pittis reported there is no need for a sewer rate increase in 1992. Finance Director Godbey reviewed current expenditures and revenues in arriving at this conclusion, noting the amount to he bonded will be less than originally anticipated. It is expected there will be a rate increase in 1993. Finance Director Godbey indicated there will be no need to bond anything until early next year due to favorable cash flow at this time. She assured the members of the UAC that staff is being -1- Utility Advisory Committee March 9, 1992 extremely conservative in the area of revenue projections, budgeting 50 new accounts per year. Expenses were projected to increase at a rate of 5% per year. Councilman Wight moved to submit a recommendation to the City Council to not increase sewer rates in 1992. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unanimously. B. Lead and Copper Sampling Rules Public Works Director Pittis informed the Utility Advisory Committee of U.S. EPA regulations pertinent to lead and copper in drinking water, which include certain monitoring requirements. Acting Water/Wastewater Superintendent Ellsworth reported the City is required to obtain water samples during two six-month periods from at least sixty (60) homes which were built between 1982 and 1988. The homes built during this period are considered high risk due to usage of 50% lead solder, lead pipes and lead service lines. The water samples must be taken from the tap in kitchens and bathrooms at first draw in the day. The City's program will commence in July, 1992. Director Pittis indicated it is the City's hope to enlist the help of volunteer homeowners to participate in the testing program, possibly with an added incentive of a $10.00 credit on utility bills. Lacking volunteer participation, the City Council would be asked to adopt an ordinance establishing authority for the testing. Director Pittis noted the advantage of obtaining volunteer help, as the City would otherwise have to pay staff to conduct the tests. Discussion followed as to the established compliance schedule should the City exceed the maximum contaminant levels. Director Pittis pointed out, however, that a problem may exist in a specific part of town and may not prevail City-wide. Councilman Braun moved to accept the monitoring program as outlined and reconunend that the City Council approve the program with an ordinance in place at the time the testing program is announced to the public. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wight and carried unanimously. The members of the Utility Advisory Committee were in agreement that an extensive educational program must take place concerning the testing program; the suggestion was made that an article be placed in the City newsletter in this regard. C. Scope of Services for Landfill Design on Cell Extension #2 Director Pittis presented information pertinent to the scope of services for the second cell at the Landfill. The expansion will consist of construction of a five-year cell, leachate treatment and gas system facilities, as well as bluff erosion corrective measures. It was pointed out that the first cell cannot be completely filled until the second cell has been constructed. The total -2- Utility Advisory Committee March 9, 1992 estimated cost for the engineering services is $344,759.00. The question was raised as to why engineering services are necessary in view of experience gained during the engineering and construction of the first phase. Director Pittis indicated some of the roles and regulations have changed which require another design. Hopefully, after the completion of this second cell, City staff can proceed on engineering some aspects of future cells. With regard to the selection of Parametfix, Director Pittis and Solid Waste Superintendent Jones summarized staff's comfort with the expertise and credentials of the firm. The main problem experienced with R.W. Beck was the turnover of personnel which was not anticipated but did create certain problems. Lengthy discussion ensued concerning different aspects of the expansion. Staff will be conducting inspections throughout this segment of the expansion. In addition, the costs may prove to be less based on the amount of soil testing required. There is a possibility that appropriate soils may not be present in order to achieve proper compaction. Director Pittis clarified that staff will be returning for approval of expenses concerning leachate treatment and bluff erosion control measures. Further discussion involved recycling efforts, the need for a County-wide solid waste district and other issues which impact the City's Landfill. Councilman Wight moved to reconmaend that the City Council approve the contract with Parametrix, Inc. The motion was seconded by Councilman Braun and carried unanimously. D. County Solid Waste Plan Solid Waste Superintendent Jones advised the members of the Utility Advisory Committee that the County Solid Waste Plan has been adopted by the cities of Forks, Sequim and Port Angeles. This is the last opportunity for input before the plan is submitted to the County Commissioners for consideration. He reviewed three final comments submitted by the Public Works staff which are intended to further enhance the plan. Efforts are underway to obtain grant funds to implement the plan. Discussion followed with Councilman Wight reviewing a recent meeting with the County at which time consideration was given to recycling efforts and the need to address these issues on a County-wide basis. The County has assigned a representative to the City's Recycling Committee, and Jerry Comell, Chairman of the City's committee, will be a member of the County Solid Waste Advisory Committee. The County has plans to institute a Solid Waste District in 1993. E. Negotiations with PUD on Wholesale Water Contract Director Pittis reported staff has met twice with representatives of the PUD on the matter of the wholesale water contract. There are some outstanding issues which must be addressed: the -3- Utility Advisory Committee March 9, 1992 length of a contract termination clause; whether to incorporate a surcharge and, of so, how much; whether to require the installation of a flow restrictive valve; and the rate to he charged. Director Pittis indicated the PUD has asked for an increased base for the gallons per minute, from the current 285 gpm to 700 gpm. The City is opposed to such an increase, based on the problems created for City residents due to the PUD's excessive draw. The City would like to have the PUD install a flow restricter to inhibit this excessive utilization. Lengthy discussion followed concerning the City's obligation to first meet the needs of its residents. Further, the PUD has asked that it be considered different than a normal customer in the determination of rates, and that the full 50% surcharge for an out-of-City customer should not apply. However, in reviewing the various options as outlined by staff, the members of the Utility Advisory Committee were in agreement they cannot be considered different unless PUD can offer sound and specific reasons. Councilman Wight noted the City should be a good neighbor by offering to bump rates from perhaps 25% to 50% over a specific period of time. Therefore, it was the consensus of the Utility Advisory Committee that staff should again meet with the PUD and stipulate the need for a flow restricter, as well as a charge for the full cost of service over a two-year period, unless the PUD can demonstrate specific differences between residential and commercial customers. F. UAC Member Participation at Regional Meetings (Electric Utility) City Light Director Titus reviewed a schedule of upcoming meetings during the months of March and April which involve issues pertinent to the electric utility. He noted there are many significant issues being considered at this time, and members of the Utility Advisory Committee may wish to attend certain meetings in order to gain further knowledge and expertise in certain areas. The 1992 budget contains funds for attendance and travel to these meetings. In the discussion that followed, members of the UAC indicated interest but noted there may be some schedule conflicts. Anyone interested in attending any of these meetings should inform Director Titus so he can assist with making arrangements. In addition, staff will provide further information as to which meetings are particularly significant. Discussion followed concerning the matter of the proposed removal of the Elwha Dams. Director Titus reported the Public Power Council will be taking action against the removal of the dams. Members of the Utility Advisory Committee reviewed the cost implications of fish restoration. G. Pedestrian and Waterfront Trail Lighting Brief discussion was held concerning the pedestrian and Waterfront Trail lighting. The City is awaiting approval of those groups/individuals involved in the Waterfront Trail; however, it is intended that this matter will be considered at the next City Council meeting. -4- Utility Advisory Committee March 9, 1992 H. City Light Conservation Programs Director Titus reported the Light Department's efforts at the recent home show were extremely successful; there was a positive response to the conservation programs being offered. Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Utility Advisory Committee will be held on Monday, April 13, 1992, 4:30 p.m. VI. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. City Clerk -5-